Replaceable concentrate/extract cartridge for a liquid concentrate/extract beverage dispenser

ABSTRACT

A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body for containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture. A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate/extract cartridge is also provided in which the concentrate/extract does not come into contact with the dispenser.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 12/569,066 filed on Sep. 29, 2009, which was a divisionalapplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/055,832 filed on Feb. 11,2005, which claimed the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.60/544,379 filed Feb. 13, 2004, U.S. provisional application No.60/620,251 filed Oct. 19, 2004, and U.S. provisional application No.60/642,311 filed Jan. 7, 2005, all of which are incorporated byreference herein as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a replaceable concentrate cartridge fora beverage dispenser which dispenses a beverage made from a diluent,such as water, and a liquid beverage concentrate/extract. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a hot beverage dispenser fordispensing hot coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate made from a liquidbeverage concentrate/extract and water.

Beverage dispensers are known for making a beverage from a liquidconcentrate/extract. In one known prior art reference, a pressurizedliquid canister of liquid beverage concentrate/extract is placed withina pitcher-shaped device having a mechanism for releasing a predeterminedamount of liquid concentrate/extract from the pressurized canister intoa beverage mixing chamber. A heated liquid reservoir is located at thebottom of the vessel and heated liquid is also forced upwardly into themixing chamber where the mixed beverage is formed in the device prior tobeing poured. This device has several drawbacks due to the complexnature of the dispensing mechanism and the need to clean out the mixingchamber in the device after each use. It is also known to provide acoffee machine for use with shelf-stable liquid coffeeconcentrate/extract. The liquid coffee concentrate/extract is pouredinto a reservoir in the coffee maker and a predetermined amount of theconcentrate/extract is moved from the reservoir to the brewing chamber,where it is mixed with heated water prior to being dispensed into acarafe. While this device overcomes the need for coffee filters andground coffee and allows the use of a shelf-stable liquid coffeeconcentrate/extract, the entire machine must be cleaned after use, dueto the fact that the coffee concentrate/extract is poured into thecoffee machine prior to being delivered to a brewing chamber in themachine. Additionally, it is not possible to switch the type of beveragebeing dispensed in an easy and convenient manner.

It has also been suggested to provide a beverage system for brewing abeverage from a dry beverage material and a source of hot, pressurizedwater. The beverage material is provided in a sealed cartridge and thedispenser pierces the sealed cartridge and injects hot, pressurizedwater into the cartridge to brew the beverage from the beveragematerial. A carousel device may be provided, which allows a user toselect from one of several different beverage cartridges. However, adrawback of this device is that residue from a previous beverage willremain in the hot, pressurized water-injecting area as well as in thedownstream collection funnel, which directs the beverage into a user'scup.

It would be desirable to provide a more convenient and easy way to mixand dispense multiple types of beverages from a single-beveragedispenser in a convenient and user friendly manner, and also without theneed for cleaning the dispenser when a user wishes to change the type ofbeverage being dispensed. It would also be desirable to allow a user toselect a beverage strength from a number of different selections so thata user's preference can be satisfied. It would also be desirable toprovide a beverage dispenser that does not waste excess beverageconcentrate/extract and allows a user to select from multiple beveragetypes and to select from multiple beverage container sizes, such ascoffee mugs or disposable cups having different sizes while stillproviding the beverage at a desired strength.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated, the present invention provides a concentrate/extractcartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquidconcentrate/extract and a diluent. The cartridge includes a hollow bodyfor containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture fordischarging liquid concentrate/extract. A pumping device is connected tothe hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from thehollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquidconcentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using aconcentrate/extract cartridge is also provided.

In one embodiment, the pumping device includes a movable pistonpositioned in the hollow body in contact with an interior surface of thehollow body defining a concentrate/extract containing chamber betweenthe piston and the interior surface.

In another embodiment, the hollow body includes a dispensing tube, andthe pumping device includes a valve seat connected to the dispensingtube. The valve seat includes a port for passing a flow ofconcentrate/extract through the dispensing tube. A valve body is inmovable contact with the valve seat to alternately cover and uncover theport. A piston is connected to the valve body movable within thedispensing tube for forcing concentrate/extract through the port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The foregoing Summary as well as the following detailed description willbe readily understood in conjunction with the appended drawings whichillustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a right perspective view of a beverage dispenser in accordancewith a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a left perspective view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 1 ina cartridge loading position.

FIG. 2 a is a side elevation view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 1partially in section.

FIG. 2 b is a front elevation view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 1partially in section.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a concentrate dispensing mechanismof the beverage dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 a is a side elevational view of the concentrate dispensingmechanism taken along line 3 a-3 a in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a concentrate/extract cartridge, inaccordance with the present invention, for use with the beveragedispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the concentrate/extract cartridge as shownin FIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the concentrate/extractcartridge dispenser of FIG. 4 including its removable bottom cap.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the concentrate/extract cartridgedispenser of FIG. 4 including its removable bottom cap.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a beverage dispenser in accordancewith a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 8taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through the beverage dispenser of FIG.8 taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the concentrate/extract cartridgeused in the beverage dispenser of FIGS. 8-10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the concentrate/extract cartridge of FIG. 11taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 8,showing the removable concentrate/extract cartridge in the installedposition.

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of a beverage dispenser inaccordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a left perspective view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 15showing a cutaway view of a diluent reservoir.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a concentrate/extract cartridge and adispensing actuator of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 15 in a disengagedposition.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a concentrate/extract cartridge and adispensing actuator of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 15 in an engagedposition.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a nozzle assembly of theconcentrate/extract cartridge of FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly of FIGS. 19 and20 taken along line 20-20 in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a valve-piston assembly of the nozzleassembly of FIGS. 19 and 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not considered limiting. Words such as “front”, “back”,“top” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to whichreference is made. This terminology includes the words specificallynoted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.Additionally, the terms “a” and “one” are defined as including one ormore of the referenced item unless specifically noted.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the drawing figures where like numerals represent likeelements throughout.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a beverage dispenser 10 adapted to dispense abeverage comprising a liquid concentrate/extract (designated by arrow12) and a diluent 14 (in a reservoir 22 and designated by arrows in adispensing area 30) is provided. The dispenser 10 includes a housing 20with a diluent reservoir 22 located therein. The housing 20 ispreferably a molded polymeric housing. However, those skilled in the artwill recognize that other materials can be used to form the housing 20.Additionally, the diluent reservoir 22 is preferably also made of amolded polymeric, hydrolysis-resistant material, such as polyethylene orHDPE. However, any other suitable food grade material may be utilized.Preferably, a removable cover 24 is located on top of the dispenserhousing 20 and covers the diluent reservoir 22. Alternatively, a meshgrid arrangement can be provided so that the cover 24 need not beremovable and liquid diluent 14, such as water, can be poured directlythrough the cover 24 and into the reservoir 22. Preferably, the cover 24is also made of a suitable molded polymeric material. However, othertypes of materials may be used, if desired.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dispensing area 30 is located at the frontof the dispenser housing 20. The dispensing area 30 is adapted to allowplacement of a beverage container, such as a cup, thereunder.Preferably, the housing 20 is sized and shaped so that a variety ofdifferent sized beverage containers, such as glasses, coffee cups ormugs or various other beverage containers can be placed under thedispensing area 30, which is preferably at the front of the housing 20.

In a preferred embodiment, the diluent reservoir 22 is heated by aheating element 34, which is shown in detail in FIG. 2 a. This ispreferably installed with a seal 35 into an opening located at thebottom of the diluent reservoir 22 and is thermostatically controlledvia a thermostat 36, which senses when a predetermined temperature hasbeen reached. While use of the heating element 34 is optional so thatcold or room temperature as well as hot beverages can be dispensed usingthe dispenser 10, in one particularly preferred embodiment wherein thedispenser 10 is used as a hot beverage dispenser, such as for hotcoffee, hot tea and/or hot chocolate, a heating element 34 is required.

While in the preferred embodiment shown, the heating element 34 islocated under the diluent reservoir 22, it is also possible to utilize aflash heater located between the reservoir 22 and the dispensing area 30to heat the diluent 14 prior to it being dispensed. Electric flashheaters are known and may require a longer fluid path for the diluent 14so that a proper temperature can be achieved prior to dispensing.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 a, preferably a reservoir supply line 16 isconnected to the reservoir 22 and delivers the diluent 14 to thedispensing area. The supply line 16 is preferably connected to a pump 18that can dispense water from the reservoir to the dispensing area atvarying rates. Alternatively, the supply line 16 could be connected to acontrol valve as described below with reference to the second preferredembodiment shown in FIGS. 8-14.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 a, a cartridge receiving area 31 is located in thehousing 20. The cartridge receiving area 31 is preferably in the form ofa recess located in the housing 20 sized to receive a beverageconcentrate/extract cartridge 50, described in detail below. A loadingdoor 32 swings open for loading the cartridge 50 into a cartridge holder33, preferably located on the door 32, and swings closed to position thecartridge 50 in the cartridge receiving area 31 below a cartridgedispensing actuator 38, described in detail below. An alignment pin 45is preferably provided on a cylinder 51 of the cartridge 50 mates with acorresponding aperture in the cartridge holder 33 to locate and preventrotation of the cartridge 50.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the concentrate/extract cartridge 50 which isadapted to hold a beverage concentrate/extract 12 is shown in detail. Ina preferred embodiment, the concentrate/extract cartridge 50 comprises ahollow body, preferably in the form of a cylinder 51, with a bottom wall52 and an open top 53. A piston 57 is located in the open top 53. Aninterior surface 59 of the cylinder 51 and the piston 57 define aconcentrate/extract containing chamber 58.

The cartridge cylinder 51 and piston 57 are preferably made of asuitable polymeric material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene thatwill not contaminate the beverage concentrate/extract 12 and willmaintain it in a sterile and/or aseptic manner. Alternatively, any othersuitable food grade material may be used for the cartridge cylinder 51and piston 57. Also, the cylinder 51 is preferably constructed of atransparent or translucent material in order to allow a user todetermine the volume of concentrate/extract 12 remaining in thecartridge 50. Further, the cylinder 51 and piston 57 must each havesufficient wall thickness to sustain the pressure formed during theprocess of actuation, as described below, without significantdeformation.

The cylinder 51 is provided with a dispensing tube 54 for passingconcentrate/extract from the concentrate/extract containing chamber 58to the dispensing area 30. Preferably, a plug 72 having a flow orifice73 is connected to the dispensing tube 54 to regulate a flow of theconcentrate/extract 12. The plug 72 is preferably threaded with avarying diameter pipe thread and mates with corresponding threads on aninner surface of the dispensing tube 54. Blind holes 74 are provided forreceiving a spanner wrench or similar type tool for installing orremoving the plug 72. Alternatively, any suitable structure can beprovided on or integral with the plug 72 to aid in its installation andremoval. Since the plug 72 is modular, differently sized orifices may beselected to accommodate different concentrate/extract viscosities.Alternatively, the plug 72 may be omitted and the flow orifice 73 may beprovided integrally with the dispensing tube 54.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in a preferred embodiment a foil pad 66 and abottom cap 68 are located over an end of the dispensing tube 54 duringstorage and prior to installation of the cartridge 50 inside the housing20. The foil pad 66 preferably contains an adhesive surface and isplaced over the orifice 73 on the plug 72 creating a seal to form aneffective air barrier. The bottom cap 68 includes a base 69 and aconnector body 70, attached to the base 69, preferably having internalthreads which mate with external threads on the dispensing tube 54. Abottom flange 71 extends from a periphery of the base 69 and contactswith the bottom wall 52 of the cylinder 51. The foil pad 66 incooperation with the bottom cap 68 help to maintain the contents 12 ofthe cartridge 50 in a sterile and/or aseptic state until the cartridge50 is installed.

The piston 57 effectively prevents the concentrate/extract 12 fromleaking from the containing chamber 58 through the open top 53 of thecylinder 51. The piston 57 preferably includes a compliant diaphragm 75which surrounds a seat 63 for receiving a drive shaft 56, as describedbelow. At the periphery of the diaphragm 75 is a sealing edge 76 havingan upwardly extending lip 77 and a downwardly extending lip 78 whichcooperate to maintain an increased pressure in the containing chamber 58when force is applied to the seat 63 by the drive shaft 56. Thediaphragm 75 is preferably adapted to slightly elastically deflect whenforce is applied to the seat 63.

A top cap 81 is preferably installed on top of the cylinder 51concealing the piston 57. The top cap 81 preferably includes a topflange 82 which slides snugly over a recessed shoulder 49 providedintegrally with the cylinder 51. The top cap 81 may be adhered to thecylinder 51 using a suitable adhesive or other methods. Alternatively,the top flange 82 and recessed shoulder 49 may include correspondingthreaded portions to removably connect the top cap 81 to the cylinder51. The top cap 81 further includes an aperture 83 through which thedrive shaft 56, described below, passes to actuate the piston 57.Preferably, a recess 84 is provided for receiving an identifying labelor cover, which can be pulled off or punched through by the dispensingactuator.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3 a, the cartridge dispensing actuator 38includes a drive motor 64 connected to a plurality of interfacing gears60 which in turn power a tapped gear 65 and a corresponding drive shaft56. The drive shaft 56 and gears 60, 65 are preferably molded from apolymeric material. The drive shaft 56 is preferably threaded, forexample with an acme screw thread, and engages a corresponding axiallyaligned tapped portion of the tapped gear 65. The motor 64 preferablydrives one of the plurality of interfacing gears 60 via a motor driveshaft 67 setting the plurality of interfacing gears 60 and the tappedgear 65 into rotation. As the tapped gear 65 rotates, it causes thedrive shaft 56 to translate in a direction along its axis. The driveshaft 56 travels through the aperture 83 in the top cap 81, which canhelp to guide the shaft 56, and engages the seat 63 in the piston 57 ofthe cartridge 50. The piston 57 is thereby axially translated/displacedresulting in discharge of the concentrate/extract 12 through theintegral dispensing tube 54 and into the dispensing area 30. The piston57 is movable from an initial position, as shown in FIG. 3, to a secondposition, shown in dash lines and indicated as 57′ in FIG. 3, to reducethe size of the chamber 58, 58′.

One feature of the present invention is that the cartridge 50 isprevented from leaking concentrate/extract 12 from the orifice when notin use. As described above, the diaphragm 75 is adapted to slightlyelastically deflect when force is applied to the seat 63. When force isreleased from seat 63 of the piston 57, the diaphragm 75 returns to itsoriginal non-deflected form causing concentrate/extract 12 within theintegral dispensing tube 54 to be at least partially withdrawn back intothe cylinder 51. This attribute results in part from the elasticity ofthe diaphragm 75, upwardly extending lips 77, and downwardly extendinglips 78. Preferably, after dispensing a desired amount ofconcentrate/extract 12 from the cartridge 50, the controller 80 signalsto briefly reverse the motor 64, slightly withdrawing the drive shaft 56from the piston 57. This permits the piston 57 to return to its originalform and create a vacuum within the chamber 58. This helps to preventconcentrate/extract 12 within the tube 54 from leaking into thedispensing area 30.

In the first preferred embodiment, the concentrate/extract cartridge 50is disposable, for example when the cartridge 50 is emptied of aparticular beverage concentrate/extract or if a user decides to switchcartridges in order to dispense a different type of beverage from thedispenser 10.

Prior to installing a cartridge 50, a user unscrews the bottom cap 68from the end of the cartridge 50 and removes the foil pad 66 so that thedispensing tube 54 is open. However, due to the small diameter,preferably on the order of 1 mm or less, of the orifice 73 through theplug 72, the concentrate/extract does not exit due to the viscosityand/or meniscus force of the concentrate/extract based on the length ofthe orifice 73. The concentrate/extract will only exit under pressurefrom the drive shaft 56 against the piston 57, forcing theconcentrate/extract through the dispensing tube 54 into the dispensingarea 30.

With the plug 72 having an orifice 73 which is sized to be self-stoppingdue to the diameter of the opening, the length of the plug 72 and theviscosity and/or meniscus force of the concentrate/extract 12, nofurther sealing of the dispensing tube 54 is required once the cartridge50 is installed in the dispenser 10. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that the length and the diameter of the orifice 73 through theplug 72 can be varied, depending upon the viscosity and meniscus forceof the liquid concentrate/extract 12 being dispensed in order tomaintain the self-stopping characteristic.

A controller 80 is preferably located in the housing 20 and controls themotor 64 to discharge concentrate/extract 12 from the cartridge 50 whenthe diluent 14 is discharged, so that the concentrate/extract 12 anddiluent 14 are dispensed into a container in the dispensing area 30. Thecontroller 80 is preferably in a sealed electronics module in order toprevent inadvertent damage from moisture. Preferably, the controller isa PLC or other suitable electronic control device.

As shown in FIGS. 2-2 b, preferably, a power switch 89 is also connectedto the controller to turn the power, supplied through a power line 86,off and on. A motor switch 87 for turning on the motor 64 in order todispense concentrate/extract 12 from the cartridge 50 is supportedwithin the housing 20 adjacent to the trigger extension 44 so that asthe trigger 46 is pressed inwardly by a beverage container, thecontroller 80 is signaled to turn the motor 64 on in order to begindispensing concentrate/extract 12 from the cartridge 50 at the same timethat the pump 18, shown in FIG. 1, dispenses diluent 14 from thereservoir. A touch pad input control 90 is provided to vary the strengthof the beverage allowing a user to select a desired strength of thebeverage. This is used by the controller 80 to determine an amount ofconcentrate/extract 12 to be mixed with the diluent 14. This can be doneby varying the speed by which diluent is dispensed or through varyingthe speed of the motor 64 to control the amount of extract dispersed.Preferably, the diluent 14 is pumped from the diluent reservoir 22 at aconstant rate and the concentrate/extract 12 is dispensed from thecartridge 50 at a variable rate. In the preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 1, four separate beverage strengths are shown. A visual indicator,such as an LED 92 is then lit to show the beverage strength selected.Those skilled in the art will recognize that various numbers ofdifferent preset beverage strengths can be utilized and that the fourstrengths shown are merely exemplary. Additionally, the beveragestrength could be continuously variable, based on a user control withselected ranges shown as preferred for different types of beverages.Alternatively, a switch can be provided to allow a user to signal thecontroller 80 which type of beverage is installed so that the controller80 adjusts the amount of concentrate/extract being dispensedaccordingly. Preferably, an ID 61 is provided on the cartridge 50 toindicate the type of beverage concentrate/extract 12 that is in thecartridge 50. The ID is preferably automatically recognized by thecontroller 80 through either a different shape or different indicialocated on the cartridge 50, which contact is read by a sensor 37located in the receiving area 31 when the cartridge 50 is installed. TheID 61 on the cartridge could also include a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag which communicates with an RFID readerpositioned in or near the receiving area 31. Alternatively, the ID 61 onthe cartridge could include a barcode or computer readable symbolsreadable by a barcode reader or other visual-type reader positioned inthe receiving area 31. The alignment pin 45 may also function as IDindicia for activating one of a plurality of switches to inform thecontroller 80 which type of beverage is installed.

For heated beverages, the controller 80 is connected to the thermostat36, as shown in FIG. 2 a, and monitors a temperature of the diluent 14in the reservoir 22. Preferably, a user control such as a pot 98 isconnected to the controller 80 to allow a user to manually adjust thetemperature of the diluent. Alternatively, the desired temperature canbe programmed into the controller 80. An indicator light and/or soundcan be provided when the dispenser has heated the diluent to a desiredtemperature so that a user knows that a hot beverage can be dispensed.Alternatively, if a flash heater is used, the thermostat 36 can controla temperature of the diluent 14 heated by the flash heater so that it isheated to a desired temperature. Preferably, a limit switch 88 isprovided to signal the controller 80 when it detects a low level ofdiluent 14 in the reservoir 22. When the controller 80 receives a signalfrom the limit switch 88 indicating a low diluent level, the controller80 shuts power to the heating element.

To dispense a beverage, a container, such as the beverage container 19,is pressed against the trigger 46, and the motor 64 is signaled to turnat a variable rate based on the beverage strength selected. At the sametime, the diluent 14 is dispensed at a constant rate irrespective ofbeverage strength. This allows a beverage container of any size to befilled with a beverage having the desired strength. For example, if asix-ounce mug is utilized, the concentrate/extract 12 is dispensed at afixed, selected rate, as controlled by the controller 80, and thediluent 14 is dispensed at a fixed rate determined by a speed of thepump 18 until five to six fluid ounces in total of the liquidconcentrate/extract 12 and diluent 14 are dispensed. If a twelve-ounceglass were used, based on the dispensing rates being the same as thecontainer is filled, the desired strength beverage is always assured.

By using a cartridge 50 having its own dispensing tube 54, the presentinvention ensures that the diluent 14, which in most cases is water orcarbonated water, is the only thing that comes into contact with thedispenser reservoir 22, the pump 18 and the reservoir supply line 16.This prevents contamination of the components of the dispenser 10 withany beverage concentrate/extract 14 and allows easier cleaning as wellas longer periods between cleaning of the dispenser 10, since it is notcontaminated with any type of beverage material or residue.Additionally, the mixing of the concentrate/extract 12 and the diluent14 occurs outside the dispenser 10 in the beverage container 19, so thatvarious different types of beverages can easily be dispensed by merelyreplacing the cartridge 50 with a different cartridge having a differenttype of beverage concentrate/extract 12 therein.

Additional features of the invention include a diluent view window 91,located on the front of the dispenser 10, as shown in FIG. 1, whichallows a user to see the level of diluent in the reservoir 22.

In accordance with the invention, replacement beverage cartridges 50 canbe provided to allow different types of beverages to be dispensed. Whilein the preferred embodiment the cartridge 50 includes the cylinder 51with the dispensing tube 54 provided thereon in communication with theconcentrate/extract containing chamber 58, with the movable piston 57located in the cylinder 51, those skilled in the art will recognize thatother types of actuator mechanisms can be utilized. For example, apneumatic actuator arrangement in which air is pumped into a spacebehind a piston in order to force beverage to be dispensed.

In the preferred embodiment, the chamber 58 formed by the cartridgecylinder 51 is roughly cylindrical and the piston 57 which defines amovable wall of the concentrate/extract containing chamber 58 also has agenerally circular cross section. However, other cross-sectional shapescould be utilized.

Having described the dispenser 10 in accordance with the preferredembodiment of the invention, a method of dispensing a selected beveragemade from concentrate/extract and a diluent 14 is provided. The methodincludes inserting a removable cartridge 50 with a selected beverageconcentrate/extract 12 into the beverage dispenser 10. The cartridge 50includes the dispensing tube 54 that extends into the dispensing area 30of the dispenser 10. A diluent, such as water, is provided to thedispenser 10. This can be placed in the diluent reservoir 22, or couldbe provided by a pressurized diluent feed line coming from an outsidesupply. The dispenser 10 is actuated to dispense concentrate/extract 12from the cartridge 50 and to dispense diluent 14 into a user's beveragecontainer located in the dispensing area 30. The concentrate/extract 12and the diluent 14 are mixed in the container 19, either through theturbulence of the liquids being dispensed or through further stirring.

In order to change the type of beverage being dispensed or upon thecartridge 50 for a given type of beverage being empty, theconcentrate/extract cartridge 50 is removed and anotherconcentrate/extract cartridge 50, either with the same or with adifferent beverage concentrate/extract, is inserted. This can be done atthe user's preference based upon the type of beverage that a userdesires. In accordance with the invention, the dispenser 10 can be usedto dispense the different beverage without the need to clean out thedispenser 10 since a new dispensing tube 54 is provided with thebeverage concentrate/extract cartridge 50.

Advantageously, the dispenser 10 in accordance with the presentinvention allows a desired beverage concentration to be selected, forexample, by pressing on the touch pads 90 to make a selection ofstronger or weaker beverage strength, as indicated by the LEDs 92. Oncethe desired strength of the beverage has been selected, the user pressesa beverage container against the trigger 46, which signals thecontroller 80 to provide power to the motor 64 so that it is turned at apredetermined rate. The motor 64 rotates the plurality of gears 60 viamotor shaft 67. A threaded portion of the tapped gear 65 is engaged withthe threaded drive shaft 56 driving the shaft toward the piston 57 in afirst direction, which defines the movable wall of the interior storagespace 58 of the cartridge 50 reducing a volume of the interior space 58and causing the beverage concentrate/extract 12 to be dispensed into abeverage container. The diluent 14 is dispensed at a desired,predetermined rate, depending upon the beverage strength selected, atthe same time as the concentrate/extract 12 so that any volume of thebeverage can be dispensed with the desired beverage strength.

In the preferred usage, the cartridges 50 are provided with coffee, teaor chocolate liquid concentrate/extracts so that the dispenser 10 can beused to dispense a respective one of hot coffee, hot tea or hotchocolate. Alternatively, the beverage dispenser 10 can be used todispense any other type of beverage, for example soda or punch using asoda or punch liquid concentrate/extract and, for example, by providinga chilled diluent in the reservoir 22 or by providing a chilled sourceof diluent directly to the pump 18.

While the preferred embodiment of the cartridge 50 is for use inconnection with dispensing beverages, and more preferably for dispensinghot beverages, the present invention could also find use in connectionwith dispensers for any type of liquid mixed from a concentrate/extractand a diluent. The concentrate/extract cartridge 50 could be used fordispensing fluid medicine, fluid food products such as baby food, fluidcondiments and endless other food and non-food products. Also, thecartridge 50, if desired, could be used to dispense viscous fluids intoa container alone, without a diluent, for viscous fluids which do notrequire dilution.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-14 a beverage dispenser 110 according to asecond preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. In thisembodiment, each component identical or similar to a component depictedin the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7 is represented by asimilar numerical identifier. Each such identifier equals “100” plus thevalue of the numerical indicator depicting the identical or similarcomponent shown in any one of FIGS. 1-7. For example, the reservoir 122of the second embodiment of the beverage dispenser 110 is similar to thereservoir 22 of the dispenser 10.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, preferably a reservoir supply line 116 isconnected to the reservoir 122 and delivers the diluent 114 to a controlvalve 118. The control valve 118 is in communication with the reservoir122 to allow diluent 114 to be dispensed in the dispensing area 130. Inthe preferred embodiment, the control valve 118 includes a movableclosing element 142, which is normally biased to a closed position via aspring 143. The closing element 142 is preferably connected via amechanical linkage 144 to a trigger 146, which protrudes from thehousing 122 below the dispensing area 130, where it can be contacted bya sidewall of a beverage container 119 in order to be opened.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, a cartridge receiving area 131 is located in thehousing 120. The cartridge receiving area 131 is preferably in the formof a recess located in the housing having a complementary shape to abeverage concentrate/extract cartridge 150, described in detail below.The cartridge receiving area 131 preferably includes a key feature, suchas a bump or projection 152, shown in FIG. 10, which is complementary toa mating key feature located on the cartridge 150 for alignment of thecartridge 150 in the cartridge receiving area 131. Alternatively, theouter shape of the cartridge itself can be asymmetrical in order toprovide the key feature 152. As another alternative, as the cartridge150 includes a cartridge dispensing tube 154, this can also act as thekey feature 152 upon insertion of the cartridge 150 by the user.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 8-10, the concentrate/extract cartridge 150is removably insertable into the cartridge receiving area 131. Theconcentrate/extract cartridge 150 is adapted to hold a beverageconcentrate/extract and includes an actuator 155 for dispensing theconcentrate/extract 112 from the concentrate/extract cartridge 150. Theconcentrate/extract dispensing tube 154 extends to the dispensing area130 upon the concentrate/extract cartridge 150 being located in thereceiving area 131.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 155 comprises a drive shaft 156with a piston 157 located in the concentrate/extract cartridge 150. Thepiston 157 is movable from an initial position, as shown in FIG. 9, inwhich an interior storage space 158 of the cartridge and the piston 157forms an inner wall of the interior storage space 158, to a secondposition, shown in dash lines and indicated as 157′ in FIG. 9, in whichthe interior storage space 158 is reduced in volume, forcing theconcentrate/extract 112 through the dispensing tube 154.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive shaft 156 is threaded, for examplewith an acme screw thread, and is engaged with a complementarilythreaded opening in the piston 157. A drive gear 160 is located on anexterior of the cartridge 150 and is connected to the drive shaft 156.An interfacing gear 162 is located in the dispenser housing 120. In thepreferred embodiment, the drive gear 160 is a spur gear and theinterfacing gear 162 is a worm gear which engages the spur gear upon thecartridge 150 being inserted into the receiving area 131 of thedispenser housing 120. The interfacing gear 162 in the dispenser housing120 is connected to a drive motor 164 which is controlled via acontroller 180, as described in detail below. The motor 164 preferablydrives the interfacing gear 162 via a motor drive shaft 167, as shown inFIG. 10. As the motor 164 turns the interfacing gear 162, the drive gear160 located on the cartridge 150 turns the drive shaft 156 and thethreads on the drive shaft 156 engaged with the complementary threads inthe center of the piston 157 draw the piston downwardly, forcing theconcentrate/extract 112 through the dispensing tube 154 and into thedispensing area 130.

The concentrate/extract cartridge 150 preferably includes a housing orcylinder 151, as shown in detail in FIG. 11, and includes aconcentrate/extract view window 148 located along a front thereof, asshown in FIGS. 8 and 11, in order to allow a user to determine thevolume of concentrate/extract 112 remaining in the cartridge 150.

Advantageously, the dispenser 110 in accordance with the presentinvention allows a desired beverage concentration to be selected, forexample, by pressing on the touch pad 190 to make a selection of astronger or weaker beverage strength, as indicated by the LEDs 192. Oncethe desired strength of the beverage has been selected, the user pressesthe beverage container 119 against the trigger 146, which opens thecontrol valve 118 while at the same time signals the controller 80 toprovide power to the motor 164 so that it is turned at a desired,predetermined rate. The motor 164 rotates the worm gear 162 via motorshaft 167. The worm gear 162 is engaged with the spur gear 160, locatedon the concentrate/extract cartridge 150 and rotates the drive shaft156, so that the piston 157, which defines the movable wall of theinterior storage space 158 of the cartridge 150, advances in a firstdirection, reducing a volume of the interior space 158 and causing thebeverage concentrate/extract 112 to be dispensed at the desired rateinto the beverage container 119. Preferably, the diluent 114 isdispensed at a predetermined rate, as noted above, at the same time asthe concentrate/extract 112 so that any volume of the beverage can bedispensed with the desired beverage strength.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-21, a beverage dispenser 210 according toanother alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention isshown. In this embodiment, each component identical or similar to acomponent depicted in the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7 isrepresented by a similar numerical identifier. Each such identifierequals “200” plus the value of the numerical indicator depicting theidentical or similar component shown in any one of FIGS. 1-7. Forexample, the housing 220 of the third embodiment of the beveragedispenser 210 is similar to the housing 20 of the dispenser 10.

As shown in FIGS. 15-16, the beverage dispenser 210 includes a diluentreservoir 222 connected to a discharge valve 218 controlled by acontroller 280 for dispensing diluent 214 into a dispensing area 230.Alternatively, in place of the discharge valve 218 a pump can beprovided to empty diluent 214 from the reservoir 222. Preferably, astack pipe 288 is provided for determining a level of the diluent 214 inthe reservoir 222. The stack pipe 288 preferably includes a metallicfloat 294 and a plurality of spaced apart coils 296 for signaling aposition of the float 294 to the controller 280. The informationregarding the diluent level is used by the controller 280 to determinethe diluent level of the diluent 214 in the reservoir 222. Since thestatic head of the diluent 214 in the reservoir is proportional to arate of discharge of diluent 214, static head information is preferablyused by the controller 280 to adjust a rate of actuation of a dispensingactuator 238, as described below, to dispense a desired amount ofconcentrate/extract 212 relative to an amount of dispensed diluent 214.Alternatively, based on the diluent level information received, thecontroller 280 can control the discharge valve 218, or alternatively adiluent discharge pump, permitting discharge of an appropriate amount ofdiluent 214 relative to an amount of dispensed concentrate/extract 212.The information regarding diluent level can also be used by thecontroller 280 to turn on and off a heating element 234 for heating thediluent 214. One skilled in the art will recognize that other diluentlevel detectors such as photo eye or electric resistance type detectorscan be used to determine the diluent level in the diluent reservoir 222.

The dispenser 210 further includes a housing 220 having a loading door232 which opens to a cartridge receiving area 231. The cartridgereceiving area 231 is preferably in the form of a recess located in thehousing 220 and is sized to receive a beverage concentrate/extractcartridge 250, described in detail below. The loading door 232 swingsopen for loading the cartridge 250 into the cartridge receiving area 231in proximity to the dispensing actuator 238. A view window 239 ispreferably provided on the loading door 232 to allow inspection of thecartridge 250.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the cartridge 250 includes a hollow body251 for containing the liquid concentrate/extract 212. The hollow body251 is preferably collapsible and fabricated from a flexible laminatesheet including layers of one or more of polyethylene, polyester, andmetallic foil. Alternatively, other suitable materials may be used tocreate the flexible laminate sheet. A nozzle assembly 241 having aninterface member 252 is preferably sealably connected to the hollow body251. An inner layer of the hollow body 251 preferably includes features,such as sealing bars, which contact and align with cooperating featureson the interface member 252. During assembly, heat and pressure isapplied for a predetermined period of time to the area where the hollowbody 251 and the interface member 252 are in contact, sealablyconnecting the hollow body 251 to the interface member 252. Preferably,the inner layer of the hollow body 251 and the interface member 252 aremade of the same material, for example polyethylene, or otherwise madeof compatible materials, so that when heat and pressure are applied, thehollow body 251 and interface member 252 are sealed together.Alternatively, the interface member 252 can be adhered to the hollowbody 251 using any suitable adhesive and/or adhering method.

Referring to FIGS. 19-21, the nozzle assembly 241 preferably includes adispensing tube 254, having an exit orifice 273, connected to theinterface member 252, and a pumping device 272 positioned within thedispensing tube 254. The interface member 252 and the dispensing tube254 are preferably separate components. In this manner, the interfacemember 252 can be adhered to the hollow body 251, then the hollow body251 can be filled with a liquid concentrate/extract through an openingin the interface member 252, and then, the dispensing tube 254 can beconnected to the interface member 252 closing the opening and allowingthe liquid concentrate/extract to be retained by the pumping device 272.Alternatively, the dispensing tube 254 and the interface member 252 canbe integrally formed. Further, in an alternative preferred embodiment, asealing membrane can be provided in the dispensing tube 251 or interfacemember 252 to provide a hermetic seal between the contents of the hollowbody 251 and the outside environment prior to use. The seal ispreferably positioned upstream from the pumping device 272 to preventthe concentrate/extract from coming into contact with the pumping device272. The seal can be pierced by a user prior to inserting the cartridge250 into the housing 220, preferably using a piercing device provided onthe dispensing tube 254 or the interface member 252.

The pumping device 272 includes a valve seat 267 connected to thedispensing tube 254 within a space defined by an interior surface of thedispensing tube. Preferably, the valve seat 267 is fixed via aninterference fit with the interior surface of the dispensing tube 254.Alternatively, the valve seat 267 and the dispensing tube 254 can beconnected using adhesive or mechanical fasteners. The valve seat 267includes a port 283 for passing a flow of fluid concentrate/extract 212through the dispensing tube 254. A valve stem 263 is connected to, andpreferably integrally formed with, a valve body 264 forming a valve 260for alternately covering and uncovering the port 283 in the valve seat267. A piston 257 is connected to the valve stem 263 opposite the valvebody 264 in slideable contact with or slightly spaced apart from theinterior surface of the dispensing tube 254 for forcingconcentrate/extract through the port 283. The piston 257 includesthrough apertures 256, for passing a flow of the liquidconcentrate/extract 212, and blind aperture 274, to permit assembly withthe valve stem 263. The through apertures 256 preferably have a depthwhich is at least double their width to provide flow resistance athigher piston velocity. A spring 265 is disposed between the piston 257and the valve seat 267 to maintain the valve body 264 in contact withthe valve seat 267 and prevent a flow of fluid through the valve port283. The piston 257 is formed of a ferromagnetic material, such as steelor iron, to permit actuation by the actuator 238. Preferably, the valveseat 267 is also formed of a ferromagnetic material. The valve 260 andspring 265 are preferably formed of non-ferromagnetic materials, forexample a polymer material or stainless steel.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the dispensing actuator 238 is fixedwithin the cartridge receiving area 231. The dispensing actuator 238includes an electromagnet 276 which preferably comprises a wound coil.The electromagnet 276 receives current, such as alternating or directcurrent, from the controller 280. In a preferred embodiment, thecontroller intermittently provides a 120V/60 Hz half rectified voltageover the coil to produce currents which induce an intermittent magneticfield. The dispensing actuator 238 includes an opening 240 for receivingthe dispensing tube 254 of the cartridge 250 therein. When the cartridge250 is in an installed position in the receiving area 231, the piston257 of the pumping device 272 is preferably located in proximity to anelectromagnetic center of the electromagnet 276, for example the centerof a wound coil.

The cartridge 251 dispenses the liquid concentrate/extract 212 asfollows. Current is induced in the wound coil by an applied voltage,preferably a 120V/60 Hz half rectified voltage, over the electromagnet276 as provided by the controller 280, causing the piston 257 to bedrawn toward the electromagnetic center of the electromagnet 276 andagainst the valve seat 267. Alternatively, the controller 280 canprovide other suitable voltages for producing alternating or directcurrent. The valve body 264, which is fixed to the piston 257, followsin a downward motion with the piston 257 and is displaced from the port283 in the valve seat 267. During the downward motion of the piston 257,liquid concentrate/extract 212 located between the piston 257 and thevalve seat 267 is forced through the port 283, as it is uncovered by thevalve body 264, and out through the exit orifice 273 of the dispensingtube 254, while at the same time, fluid concentrate/extract from thehollow body 251 is drawn into the area above the piston 257 in thedispensing tube 254. The hollow body 251 is preferably collapsible andcollapses to facilitate the extraction of fluid concentrate/extract 212from the hollow body. Next, the controller 280 cuts off voltage to theactuator 238, causing the piston 257 to move upwardly away from thevalve seat 267 by force of the spring 265. During upward motion of thepiston 257, fluid concentrate/extract flows from the area above thepiston 257 through the apertures 256 into an area between the piston 257and the valve seat 267. A voltage, such as the preferred 120V/60 Hz halfrectified voltage, or other suitable AC or DC producing voltage, iscycled on and off to provide an intermittent current for repeating theabove-described process continuously until a desired amount of theliquid concentrate/extract 212 is dispensed.

A trigger 246 is provided, which when pressed signals the controller 280to provide an intermittent current to the electromagnet 276 to initiatethe dispensing of the liquid concentrate/extract 212 from the cartridge250 into the dispensing area 230. At the same time, the controller 280opens the diluent dispensing valve 218 to transfer liquid diluent 214from the reservoir 222 into the dispensing area through a diluent supplyline 216. Preferably, the supply line 216 and the dispensing tube 254are directed such that during dispensing, a stream of dischargedconcentrate/extract 212 enters a stream of discharged diluent 214 topromote mixing. A touch pad input control 290, is provided to vary thestrength of the beverage allowing a user to select a desired strength ofthe beverage. Visual indicators such as LEDs 292 indicate a selectedbeverage strength. User input from the input control 290 is used by thecontroller 280 to determine an amount of concentrate/extract 212 to bemixed with the diluent 214. This can be done by varying the speed bywhich the diluent 214 is dispensed by the dispensing valve 218, and/orby controlling the electromagnet 276 to vary the rate at which thepumping device 272 pumps. Preferably, the diluent 214 is dispensed fromthe reservoir 222 by gravity, and the liquid concentrate/extract 212 isdispensed from the cartridge 250 at a rate which is dependent on theselected beverage strength. The controller 280 preferably compensatesfor a decreasing reservoir diluent level by adjusting the rate at whichthe pumping device 272 pumps. The adjustment of the pumping rate of thepumping device 272 can occur several times, for example 8-10 times,during the dispensing of concentrate/extract 212 and diluent 214 into asingle beverage container. Alternatively, the decreasing diluent levelin the reservoir 222 can be compensated for during dispensing by openingthe dispensing valve 218 wider or through the use of a pump, and theliquid concentrate/extract 212 can be dispensed from the cartridge 250at a constant rate which is dependent only on the selected beveragestrength.

One skilled in the art would clearly recognize that theconcentrate/extract cartridge 250 could be adapted to hold and dispensea variety of other viscous fluids for various applications. The fluiddispensing cartridge 250 could be used for dispensing fluid medicine,fluid food products such as baby food, fluid condiments and endlessother food and non-food products. Also, the cartridge 250, if desired,could dispense viscous fluids into a container alone, without a diluent,for viscous fluids which do not require dilution.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described indetail above, the invention is not limited to the specific embodimentsdescribed which should be considered as merely exemplary. Furthermodifications and extensions of the present invention may be developedand all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method of dispensing a liquid from a liquid dispenser comprising:providing a cartridge having; a hollow body for containing the liquid;an aperture defined in the hollow body; and an externally actuatablepumping device including: a dispensing tube which defines an interiorsurface connected to the hollow body at the aperture for dispensing theliquid from the hollow body; a valve seat, including a port for passingthe liquid through the dispensing tube, connected to the dispensing tubeand fixed within a space defined by the interior surface of thedispensing tube; a valve body in removable contact with the valve seaton a discharge side thereof which covers the port in a closed positionand uncovers the port in an open position; and a piston located on anupstream side of the valve seat that is fixed to the valve body and ismoveable within the dispensing tube for forcing the liquid through theport; inserting the cartridge in the liquid dispenser; and moving thepiston from a first position, away from the valve seat, in which thevalve body is closed, to a second position, toward the valve seat and ina direction of liquid flow.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the valve seat and the piston are ferromagnetic, and wherein thestep of moving the piston from the first position to the second positionincludes inducing an electromagnetic field causing the piston to bedrawn toward the valve seat.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprisingreturning the piston to the first position to move the valve body fromthe open position to the closed position.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein a biasing element applies a biasing force on the valve bodytoward the first position, and wherein the step of returning the pistonto the first position includes reducing the electromagnetic field suchthat the biasing force overcomes the electromagnetic field.
 5. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the piston includes a first side proximal tothe hollow body and a second side proximal to the hollow body, and adisplacement area is disposed between second side of the piston and thevalve body, the method further comprising drawing the liquid from thehollow body and toward the first side of the piston by displacementduring the step of moving the piston from the first position to thesecond position, and filling the displacement area with the liquidduring the step of returning the piston to the first position.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising repeating the steps of moving thepiston from the first position to the second position while drawing theliquid from the hollow body and returning the piston to the firstposition to move the valve body from the open position to the closedposition while filling the displacement area.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the liquid is dispensed into a dispensing area and the dispenserincludes a diluent reservoir, the method further comprising discharginga diluent from the diluent reservoir into the dispensing area when theliquid is dispensed.
 8. The method of claim 7, the method furthercomprising inputting a desired amount of mixed liquid, which includes amixture of the liquid and the diluent, and controlling the amount of theliquid dispensed and the diluent discharged based on the desired amountof mixed liquid.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the cartridgeincludes a controller recognizable ID and the method further includesindentifying a proper amount of the liquid to dispense and a properamount of the diluent to discharge based on the controller recognizableID.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the controller recognizable ID isone selected from the group consisting of an RFID and a barcode.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the liquid is a liquid concentrate/extract.12. The method of claim 1 further comprising returning the piston to thefirst position to move the valve body from the open position to theclosed position.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein a biasing elementapplies a biasing force on the valve body toward the first position, andwherein the step of returning the piston to the first position includesallowing the biasing force to return the piston to the first position.14. The method of claim 12, wherein the piston includes a first sideproximal to the hollow body and a second side proximal to the hollowbody, and a displacement area is disposed between second side of thepiston and the valve body, the method further comprising drawing theliquid from the hollow body and toward the first side of the piston bydisplacement during the step of moving the piston from the firstposition to the second position, and filling the displacement area withthe liquid during the step of returning the piston to the firstposition.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising repeating thesteps of moving the piston from the first position to the secondposition while drawing the liquid from the hollow body and returning thepiston to the first position to move the valve body from the openposition to the closed position while filling the displacement area. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the liquid is dispensed into adispensing area and the dispenser includes a diluent reservoir, themethod further comprises discharging a diluent from the diluentreservoir into the dispensing area when the liquid is dispensed.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, the method further comprising inputting a desiredamount of mixed liquid, which includes a mixture of the liquid and thediluent, and controlling the amount of the liquid dispensed and thediluent discharged based on the desired amount of mixed liquid.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the cartridge includes a controllerrecognizable ID and the method further includes indentifying a properamount of the liquid to dispense and a proper amount of the diluent todischarge based on the controller recognizable ID.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the controller recognizable ID is selected from oneselected from the group consisting of an RFID and a barcode.
 20. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the liquid is a liquid concentrate/extract.